The colder winter may delay Philadelphia’s cherry blossom peak bloom until early April, according to experts.
After a long stretch of cold temperatures and snow, Philadelphia’s famous cherry blossoms may take a little longer to show off their signature pink blooms this year.
According to reporting from Axios, which spoke with experts at Morris Arboretum & Gardens, the city’s cherry blossom peak bloom is currently expected to arrive in early April.
For many locals, the burst of blooms across parks and gardens marks the moment when winter finally loosens its grip on the city.
A cold winter could delay peak bloom
Philadelphia experienced one of its coldest and snowiest winters in several years, with multiple storms and extended periods of freezing temperatures.
Experts say cherry trees can handle cold conditions, so the prolonged winter isn’t a major concern.
Still, the lingering winter weather may slow the blooming process slightly this year.
Vince Marrocco, horticultural director at Morris Arboretum, explained that predicting bloom timing isn’t always exact.
“It can be a bit of a ‘crap shoot,’ and the timing can shift by about a week depending on the weather,” Marrocco said, as told to Axios.
Right now, the expected cherry blossom peak bloom in Philadelphia is around April 4, which is typically about a week after the bloom in Washington, D.C..
Different cherry trees blooms at different times
Philly is home to more than 70 varieties of cherry trees, and they don’t all bloom at once.
Some of the earliest varieties begin budding toward the end of March, while others open in early April.
- 🌸 Okame cherry trees usually bloom first, starting in late March
- 🌸 Yoshino cherry trees typically follow in early April
The region has also added about 200 new cherry blossom trees this year as part of preparations for the city’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations.
Stay tuned for peak bloom
A sudden warm spell followed by freezing temperatures poses an even bigger threat than cold weather to blooming.
That type of temperature swing can damage delicate blossoms before they fully open.
“You can lose blossoms that way,” Marrocco said.
For now, though, the trees appear healthy. Once cherry blossom peak bloom arrives, Philly’s parks will once again be covered in soft shades of pink, signaling that spring has officially arrived.
